While Neighbors Called It Quits, Sugar Mountain Fired Up Snow Guns

It was closing weekend for several ski areas in the south during the past two weekends. Despite the fact that the majority of my days on snow are spent in places like Utah and Colorado that host contests and events that I report on all year, I try to hit both as many resorts in Virginia and North Carolina as I can each winter.

I'm a big believer in the "ride your backyard" theory, and since I hadn't been yet this season, I booked a trip to Virginia. Just a quick Friday and Saturday rip. As I finished packing Thursday night...